Towel securing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A towel securing apparatus is disclosed. The towel securing apparatus comprises a strip of material that is formed into a loop, and has a label attached to the loop. It is contemplated that the label may be used for advertising and various other types of promotional purposes (e.g. sports teams, etc. . . . ). It is also contemplated that the apparatus may be installed on a chair such that the label is oriented on the back side of the chair. Additional embodiments provide for various ways to attach an item to the apparatus. This serves to keep common items handy (e.g. sunglasses, camera, etc. . . . ) while at an outdoor venue, such as the beach, pool, on a boat, or at a concert, for example.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to chairs and chaises and more particularly to an apparatus for securing a towel to a chair.

BACKGROUND

Beach and pool lounge chairs and chaises (hereinafter generally referred to as “chairs”) used on beaches, boat decks, near swimming pools, and on lawns are often covered by beach towels to provide a more comfortable environment in which to relax, avoid the tacky feeling of plastic and the more harsh feeling of wood, and to absorb any perspiration or dripping water. Furthermore, for sanitary reasons, it may be desirable to place a towel over a chair used in public, such as at a sports stadium. When an outdoor chair is not occupied, there the chance that a gust of wind may blow the towel from the chair. Furthermore, just the act of getting out of the chair, or moving around in the chair, can cause the towel to shift or fall from the chair. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a simple, economical, and practical apparatus to address this situation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a towel securing apparatus. The towel securing apparatus comprises a strip of material that is formed into a loop, and has a label attached thereto. It is contemplated that the label, and/or material itself, may be used for advertising and various other types of promotional purposes. Examples of such promotions include, but are not limited to, sports teams, hotel names, cruise line names, suntan lotion company, beverage company, and clothing company. It is also contemplated that the apparatus may be installed on a chair such that the label is oriented on the back side of the chair. Additional embodiments provide for various ways to attach an item to the apparatus. This serves to keep common items handy (e.g. sunglasses, camera, beverages, books, suntan lotion, phones, and PDAs, etc. . . . ) while at an outdoor venue, such as the beach, pool, on a boat, or at a concert, for example. Embodiments of the present invention may also be used to secure a towel to an automobile seat, and may be particularly handy for use in a convertible, jeep, or other SUV type of vehicle.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for securing a towel to a chair, comprising:

a loop of elastic material; and a label disposed on the loop, the label comprising an upper portion and a lower portion.

Additional embodiments of the present invention further provide two end loops disposed at opposite ends of the loop of elastic material.

Additional embodiments of the present invention further provide a plurality of holes formed within the loop of elastic material.

Additional embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus wherein the label is attached to the loop of elastic material on the upper portion of the label, and wherein the label is configured to hang from the upper portion, whereby the label is oriented in a substantially vertical position.

Additional embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus wherein the lower portion of the label has a weight affixed thereto.

Additional embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus wherein the weight is comprised of bean bag fill material.

Additional embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus wherein the weight is comprised of metal.

Additional embodiments of the present invention further provide a pouch, said pouch configured and disposed to hang from one of the two end loops.

Additional embodiments of the present invention further provide a pouch, the pouch configured and disposed to hang from one of the plurality of holes formed within the loop of elastic material.

Additional embodiments of the present invention further provide an apparatus for securing a towel to a chair that comprises a piece of elastic material, the piece of elastic material having a first end and a second end;

a first fastener attached to the first end of the piece of elastic material; and a second fastener attached to the second end of the piece of elastic material.

Additional embodiments of the present invention further provide an apparatus in which the first fastener and second fastener are hook-and-loop fasteners.

Additional embodiments of the present invention further provide an apparatus in which the first fastener and second fastener are magnetic fasteners.

Additional embodiments of the present invention further provide an apparatus in which the first fastener and second fastener are mated clips.

Additional configuration details are described in the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows the use of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows the use of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 shows the use of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 8-9 show alternative embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B show views of an embodiment of a towel securing apparatus 100. Towel securing apparatus 100 comprises a strip of material 105 that is formed into a loop, and has a label 110 attached thereto. In one embodiment, the label is fastened to the material 105 via stitching 115. The label 110 may also have text 120 and/or graphics 125 imprinted thereon. The label 110 may be constructed of reflective material, providing for greater visibility in low-light conditions. Note that the particular text 120 and graphics 125 shown are merely presented as an example. It is contemplated that the label may be used for advertising and various other types of promotional purposes (e.g. sports teams, etc. . . . ). It is also contemplated that the apparatus may be installed on a chair such that the label 110 is oriented on the back side of the chair. It is also contemplated that material 105 may also have text and/or graphics printed directly thereon, and be used for the same purposes as the label 110.

Material 105 is preferably a stretchable, resilient material that is well suited to outdoor use. In one embodiment, the material used is STRETCHRITE elastic material, supplied by Rhode Island Textile Co., of Pawtuckett, RI. Preferably, material 105 is relatively thin (less than about 0.5 centimeters) to avoid discomfort while in use. In one embodiment, the material 105 that forms the loop is approximately 1-2 inches wide, and a circumference of about 20-30 inches, such that the towel securing apparatus 100 can fit relatively tightly around the back of a chair, thereby securing a towel. The STRETCHRITE material has advantages over terrycloth for the purposes of constructing embodiments of the present invention. For example, the STRETCHRITE material has a better range of stretch than terrycloth, the stretchability does not degrade, and the material does not hold as much moisture (e.g. rainwater, sweat, etc. . . . ) as does terrycloth. In some embodiments, material 105 may be a “heavy stretch elastic” that is comprised of rubber (ranging from 60 to 70 percent), and polyester (ranging from about 30 percent to about 40 percent). In one embodiment, material 105 is comprised of about 68 percent polyester and about 32 percent rubber.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of a towel securing apparatus 200. Towel securing apparatus 200 further comprises end loops 230A and 230B, disposed at each end of apparatus 200. In one embodiment, end loops 230A and 230B are formed by fastening material 105 together at points 235A and 235B, respectively. End loops 230A and 230B may serve to assist in installing the apparatus 200 over the back of a chair. The end loops 230A and 230B may also serve the function of attaching an item (such as a small pouch for a music player, camera etc. . . . ) to the chair. This serves to keep items off the ground surface, which may be wet or sandy. It may also provide the advantage of keeping items in the pouch from blowing away (e.g. money, tissues, etc. . . . ).

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a towel securing apparatus 300. In this embodiment, the material 105 has a plurality of holes 340 formed therein. When apparatus 300 is installed on a chair, preferably, at least some of the plurality of holes 340 are oriented on the back of the chair. In this way, the holes 340 may be used to hang various objects (e.g. keys, mobile phone, etc. . . . ) from the back of the chair, to keep the objects safe from sand and water on a beach. The objects may be suspended from a hole 340 via a hook (not shown), or by looping a strap through the hole 340 (the strap of a camera case, for example).

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a towel securing apparatus 400. In this embodiment, label 410 is secured with stitching 415 at the upper portion of the label 410. The lower portion of the label optionally has an internal weight 445, which may be comprised of “bean bag” fill (e.g. small particles of polystyrene), a small metal bar, or other material that provides some weight. The weight 445 allows the label 410 to hang from the upper portion of label 410 in a substantially vertical position, even when the chair is in a reclined orientation, thereby facilitating easier viewing from behind. Since advertising is often measured in “impressions,” it is desirable to increase the likelihood that the label 410 will be noticed by those sitting or walking behind the chair where apparatus 400 is installed. The weight 445 may provide an additional advantage of giving the user an incentive to install the apparatus 400 such that the label 410 is disposed on the rear of the seat back of a chair. This is because the weight 445 may cause discomfort to the user if the apparatus 400 is installed with the label on the front of the seat back of the chair, where it would contact a user's back when the user is sitting in the chair. Therefore, this may increase the likelihood that the user will install the apparatus 400 with the label 410 in the rear of the seat back of the chair, increasing the effectiveness of the advertising impact of label 410.

FIG. 5 shows the use of an embodiment of towel securing apparatus 100 as viewed from the side of chair 550. Apparatus 100 is securing towel 555 around the seat back 553 of chair 550, serving to keeping it in place.

FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of the use of an embodiment of towel securing apparatus 400 as viewed from the side of a chair. Note that in this drawing, the entire chair is not shown, but only the seat back 553 is illustrated. Apparatus 400 is securing towel 555 around the seat back 553 of a chair. While the seat back 553 is at an angle with respect to the ground, the label 410 hangs substantially vertical, providing a better viewing angle for people seated, standing, or walking behind the chair on which apparatus 400 is installed.

FIG. 7 shows the use of an embodiment of towel securing apparatus 200 in a view facing the back of chair 550. Apparatus 200 is securing towel 555 around the seat back 553 of chair 550. The loops 230A and 230B of apparatus 200 are disposed at the respective sides of seat back 553. Loop 230A is attached to pouch 760 by strap 765. It is contemplated that pouch 760 may contain items such as a mobile phone, music player, keys, sunglasses, or other items that a user would typically take to a beach, pool, or on a boat.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Instead of being stitched into a loop, as with the previous embodiments, this embodiment uses mated fasteners 821, and 822, to attach the two ends of the material 105 in a loop. In one embodiment, fasteners 821 and 822 may be hook-and-loop fasteners, such as VELCRO, for example. In another embodiment, fasteners 821 and 822 may be magnetic fasteners, wherein one fastener is a north biased magnet, and one fastener is a south biased magnet, such that the magnets adhere together when configured as shown in FIG. 8A. It is also contemplated that in this, and possibly other embodiments, information 915 may be printed directly on material 105, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated label.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, fasteners 921 and 922 are mated clips that snap together to hold material 105 in a loop. Other fastening means are possible, including, but not limited to, snaps, buttons, or clasps, may be used, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As can be appreciated, embodiments of the present invention provide an effective way to secure a towel onto a chair, thereby enhancing the user experience at a beach, pool, boat, concert, picnic, or other venue, and also improving comfort in automobiles, and other seating surfaces. While various examples discuss outdoor use, embodiments of the present invention are well suited to indoor use too. For example, embodiments of the present invention may be used to secure a towel or cloth or paper sheet to an office chair, barber's chair, or dentist's chair, for example.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, certain equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications. 

1-10. (canceled) 17-26. (canceled) 28-30. (canceled) 32-37. (canceled) 39-40. (canceled)
 41. An apparatus for securing a towel to a chair, the apparatus comprising; an endlessly closed loop of elastic material; a label disposed on the loop; and two end loops formed integrally with the elastic loop at diametrically opposed locations and equispaced from said label.
 42. An apparatus for securing a towel to a chair, the apparatus comprising; an endlessly closed loop of elastic material; a label disposed on the loop; and two end loops disposed at predetermined spaced locations on the loop of elastic material to assist in installing the loop over the chair and to serve the function of attaching an item to the chair.
 43. An apparatus for securing a towel to a chair, the apparatus comprising; an endlessly closed loop of elastic material; a label disposed on the loop; two end loops disposed at predetermined spaced locations on the loop of elastic material to assist in installing the loop over the chair and to serve the function of attaching an item to the chair; and a pouch configured and disposed to hang from one of the two end loops.
 44. An apparatus for securing a towel to a chair, the apparatus comprising; an endlessly closed loop of elastic material; a label disposed on the loop; two end loops formed integrally with the elastic loop and disposed at predetermined spaced locations on the loop of elastic material to assist in installing the loop over the chair and to serve the function of attaching an item to the chair, and a pouch configured and disposed to hang from one of the two end loops.
 45. An apparatus for securing a towel to a chair, the apparatus comprising; an endlessly closed loop of elastic material; the loop being formed from a length of elastic material having two ends, with the ends being overlapped by an overlap distance of sufficient length to accommodate the secure attachment to form the endlessly closed loop; a label disposed on the loop; two end loops disposed at predetermined spaced locations on the loop of elastic material to assist in installing the loop over the chair and to serve the function of attaching an item to the chair; and a pouch configured and disposed to hang from one of the two end loops.
 46. An apparatus for securing a towel to a chair, the apparatus comprising; an endlessly closed loop of elastic material; the loop being formed from a length of elastic material having two ends, with the ends being overlapped by an overlap distance of sufficient length to accommodate the secure attachment of the ends to form the endlessly closed loop; a label disposed on the loop; said label disposed on the loop at the attachment point of the two ends to conceal the attachment point; two end loops disposed at predetermined spaced locations on the loop of elastic material to assist in installing the loop over the chair and to serve the function of attaching an item to the chair; and a pouch configured and disposed to hang from one of the two end loops.
 47. A method of securing a towel to a chair, comprising the steps of; placing the towel on the chair such that the towel covers at least a portion of the chair; stretching a looped towel securing apparatus; positioning a stretched towel securing apparatus around both the towel and the chair; and releasing the looped towel securing apparatus, whereby the looped towel securing apparatus encompasses the towel, and at least a portion of the chair, thereby securing the towel to the chair.
 48. A method as claimed in claim 47 wherein the towel securing apparatus comprises a loop of elastic material and has end loops to provide gripping means for stretching the loop of elastic material.
 49. A method as claimed in claim 47 wherein the towel securing apparatus comprises a loop of elastic material and has end loops wherein the end loops are disposed at predetermined spaced locations on the loop of elastic material to assist in installing the loop over the chair and to serve the function of attaching an item to the chair.
 50. A method as claimed in claim 47 wherein the towel securing apparatus comprises a loop of elastic material and has end loops wherein the end loops are formed integrally with the elastic loop and are disposed at predetermined spaced locations on the loop of elastic material to assist in installing the loop over the chair and to serve the function of attaching an item to the chair.
 51. A method as claimed in claim 47 wherein the towel securing apparatus comprises a piece of elastic material; the piece of elastic material having a first end and a second end, a first fastener attached to the first end of the piece of elastic material, a second fastener attached to the second end of the piece of elastic material; a label disposed on the elastic material; and two end loops disposed at predetermined spaced locations on the loop of elastic material to assist in installing the loop over the chair and to serve the function of attaching an item to the chair.
 52. The combination comprising a chair having a back and a seat, and an apparatus for securing a towel to the chair comprising; an endlessly closed loop of elastic material; a label disposed on the loop; and two end loops formed integrally with the loop of elastic material to assist in installing the loop over the chair and to serve the function of attaching an item to the chair.
 53. The combination comprising a chair having a back and a seat, and an apparatus for securing a towel to the chair comprising; an endlessly closed loop of elastic material; a label disposed on the loop; and two end loops formed integrally with the loop of elastic material and disposed at predetermined spaced locations on the loop of elastic material to assist in installing the loop over the chair and to serve the function of attaching an item to the chair.
 54. The combination comprising a chair having a back and a seat and an apparatus for securing a towel to the chair comprising; a piece of elastic material, the piece of elastic material having a first end and a second end; a first fastener attached to the first end of the piece of elastic material; and a second fastener attached to the second end of the piece of elastic material; a label disposed on the elastic material; and two end loops disposed at predetermined spaced locations on the loop of elastic material to assist in installing the loop over the chair and to serve the function of attaching an item to the chair.
 55. The combination comprising a chair having a back and a seat and an apparatus for securing a towel to the chair comprising; a piece of elastic material, the piece of elastic material having a first end and a second end; a first fastener attached to the first end of the piece of elastic material; and a second fastener attached to the second end of the piece of elastic material; a label disposed on the elastic material; and two end loops formed integrally with the elastic loop and disposed at predetermined spaced locations on the loop of elastic material to assist in installing the loop over the chair and to serve the function of attaching an item to the chair.
 56. The combination comprising a towel securing apparatus and an accessory holder, the combined towel securing apparatus and accessory holder comprising; an endlessly closed loop of elastic material; a label disposed on the loop; and two end loops disposed at predetermined spaced locations on the loop of elastic material to assist in installing the loop over the chair and to serve the function of attaching accessories to the chair.
 57. The combination comprising a towel securing apparatus and an accessory holder, the combined towel securing apparatus and accessory holder comprising; an endlessly closed loop of elastic material; the loop being formed from a length of elastic material having two ends with the ends being overlapped by an overlap distance of sufficient length to accommodate the secure attachment to form the endlessly closed loop; a label disposed on the loop; and two end loops disposed at predetermined spaced locations on the loop of elastic material to assist in installing the loop over the chair and to serve the function of attaching accessories to the chair.
 58. The combination comprising a towel securing apparatus and an accessory holder, the combined towel securing apparatus and accessory holder comprising; an endlessly closed loop of elastic material; the loop being formed from a length of elastic material having two ends with the ends being overlapped by an overlap distance of sufficient length to accommodate the secure attachment to form the endlessly closed loop; a label disposed on the loop; said label disposed on the loop at the attachment point of the two ends to conceal the attachment point; and two end loops disposed at predetermined spaced locations on the loop of elastic material to assist in installing the loop over the chair and to serve the function of attaching accessories to the chair.
 59. The combination comprising a towel securing apparatus and an accessory holder, the combined towel securing apparatus and accessory holder comprising; a piece of elastic material; the piece of elastic material having a first end and a second end, a first fastener attached to the first end of the piece of elastic material, a second fastener attached to the second end of the piece of elastic material; a label disposed on the elastic material; and two end loops disposed at predetermined spaced locations on the loop of elastic material to assist in installing the loop over the chair and to serve the function of attaching an item to the chair. 